PSFS, the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society, is one of the oldest SF clubs in existence. It was organized by Milton Rothman and four other fans in December 1934 as chapter 11 of the SFL (latter called the PSFL) and has remained alive more-or-less continuously since. (PSFS celebrates October 5, 1935 as its first meeting because prior to that date meetings had been sporadic, but after meetings were continuous (except for a period during the War.)) At nearly the same time, the Boy's Science Fiction Club had been formed. The two clubs became aware of each other and when the SFL disintegrated, they coalesced, forming PSFS.

During the War, activity diminished until in 1942 the club went dormant with only Ossie Train left in Philadelphia among the membership. He continued active and published the PSFS News, but it wasn't until the fall of 1943 (or possibly 1944) when the Philadelphia Futurians merged into PSFS, that it had plural members again. (See File 770 #13 p7 for a letter by Harry Warner, Jr.)

One of the droller bits of PSFS lore is based on the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society, a major local bank which had a skyscraper in downtown with a big, red, glowing "PSFS" at the top on each side. PSFans would point it out as their clubhouse…